Tuesday, May 25, 2010

"TIME TO RAP"!!!!!!!!!!

Hey All You Spartan Fans.........

As the 2009-10 school year finishes up, I would like to take a moment to wish all of the Lakeview ....Class of 2010.....all the best as they leave our campus, and head to the next level of their life.

In 2001, this group of young students entered Elizabeth Ide, very energetic as all students are as they start school. Now, nine years later, they are ready to take the next step in their drive toward "real life". As we all know, 2001 was a very challenging year, and one that will never be forgotten!! As I look back, it has been truly rewarding being able to work with this group as both Kindergarteners and 8th graders. >>>>>>>>>MY BEST TO ALL THE GRADUATES!!!!!


Last week, as I said I would probably do, I inadvertently left off my recognition of baseball players on the varsity at Downers Grove South. Besides Holakovsky and Dodd, Kyle Engel has been one of the anchors of the infield at second base. In addition, Kyle has batted leadoff the entire year, and has been outstanding!!!!! GOOD LUCK to Kyle, John, and T.J. as they start tournament play tomorrow (Wed.; May 26; 4:30 PM) at DGS vs. Hinsdale Central. The Mustangs enter the contest with a mark of 30-5, currently ranked 2nd in the Chicago Tribune polls.

Have a great day....a great week, and.....................................

GO SPARTANS........GO MUSTANGS........PLAY HARD!!

Coach Dodd

Monday, May 17, 2010

"The Stretch Run"

Hello Spartans..............

As we head into the final days of the 2009-10 school year, I would like to say "Thank You" to all the 66ers who have e-mailed me or commented personally regarding my blogs. I do hope that the 66ers who have taken the time to check me out, have enjoyed them!!!! Hopefully more good things next year!!!

One of the things I have enjoyed doing this year......besides discussing Physical Education, Boys Basketball, and of course the Cardinals..........has been pointing out what many of the Spartans, present and past are doing. This "issue" will be no different!!!

Last Thursday and Friday nights, nearly 50 Lakeview students, under the direction of Miss Jennifer Berman and Mr. Brian Ohlsen, put on an UNBELIEVABLE rendition of the musical play "OKLAHOMA". I wish I would have the ability to mention all the students involved, but knowing me, I would probably leave someone out, and that is not something I wish to do. Besides the lead players, and supporting actors, so many people did an incredible job in their own area. As a side note, our students should be commended for their hard work during the rehearsals leading up to opening night. I say this due to the fact that, on a number of occasions, I had the opportunity to hear rehearsals taking place, and SERIOUS DIRECTION being given by Miss Berman, and even....................Mr. Ohlsen. That is one thing that is important, whether it's a team, a cast, or a staff.................EXPECT AND DO THE ABSOLUTE BEST YOU CAN ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!

To the 8th graders in the musical, I wish you luck, and encourage you to stay involved in high school!! If you are in 6th or 7th, we'll see you next year sometime in mid-May!!!!!!

Our P.E. classes continue their units on Floor Hockey and Softball (when the weather permits), with fun appearing to be had by all parties.

On a final and personal note, I would like to congratulate two members of the 2010 Downers Grove South varsity baseball Mustangs. As of this date (May 18th), their club is currently ranked 2nd in the Chicago area with a record of 28 and 5. Lakeview alums T.J. Dodd ('07) and John Holakovsky ('07) are reserve outfielders, and have done well in limited action. The Mustangs begin state tournament play on Wednesday; May 26th at Downers Grove South versus the winner of the 1st round Hinsdale Central / Bolingbrook game. 1st pitch is scheduled for 4:30 PM!!!!

Have a great week....get those missing "P.E. Fitness Runs" made up, and................

Go Spartans.......Go Mustangs.......Play Hard!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Saturday, May 8, 2010

WHAT A DAY OF VOLLEYBALL !!!!!!!!

Hello Spartan Fans,

Today was a great day of Volleyball at the Boys conference tournament held at Lakeview.

The Spartans, 7-1 during regular season play, advanced to the championship game by virtue of two prelim wins, including a tough clash with Eisenhower. During the regular season, the Spartans' only loss came at the hands of Westview Hills.............and that was the rematch for the championship, as Westview Hills also won their two prelim games.

After losing a tough first game (26-24), Lakeview bounced back with a resounding win (25-12), setting up a third contest to decide who would be S.E.D.E.A.A. champion. In junior high volleyball, the first two games of a match are played to 25 points, with the team ahead by a minimum of two points. If the match goes to a third game, it is played to 15 points, with the leader ahead by a minimum of two points to win.

In game three, the Wildcats and the Spartans exchanged points and leads from the get-go, with the game tied at 7, 9, 11, and 13. Westview Hills pushed through two points to claim the tournament championship, ending their season at 11-0. My personal congratulations go out to members of Westview Hills, many of whom played on their varsity basketball team that also won the Boys varsity conference tournament in mid-March!

During the championship match, I must say that the level of teamwork exhibited by Lakeview was INCREDIBLE!! As a "spectator" in the world of competitive volleyball, I had never seen a team communicate on the floor as well as the Spartans did today!!!!!! It was OUTSTANDING.........AND..............the GREEN and GOLD never backed down one inch!!!!! This, I might add, was against a team that was much taller and more physical!!!!!!!

I would like to personally congratulate Head Coach Miss Jennifer C., and the members of her club that included Kovas R., Jack M., Tyler Z., Michael M., Evan M., Ryan G., Patrick M., Austin J., Jason R., Tom W., Sean A., and Ryan F. ................GREAT SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a GREAT WEEK...............

Go Spartans...............Play Hard!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Sunday, May 2, 2010

NO SHOWERS.....MAY FLOWERS!!!!!

SPARTAN FANS !!!!!!

Just a quick update from the P.E. Department at Lakeview...............

SOCCER and BADMINTON (as well as SOFTBALL in 6th grade) are rolling along with some great games by all classes!

Representatives from the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance visited Lakeview on Monday; April 26th, observing classes, meeting with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and members of the P.E. department. The representatives had many nice things to say about our school, and will announce in July whether or not our school will receive the associations' "BLUE RIBBON" award. This prestigious honor goes out to schools throughout Illinois that demonstarte a well-rounded, organized, and complete Physical Education program.

Athletic teams (Boys and Girls Soccer; Boys Volleyball; Girls Softball; Boys and Girls Track) are cruising along with two weeks left, and many victories in the book!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

My best wishes go out to the MANY students that are working to make the musical "OKLAHOMA" the success we are all anticipating!!!!!! Good luck Miss Berman and Mr. Ohlsen!!

On a final note, Cadet Third Class Zack Bell (Lakeview '03), United States Air Force Academy, was recently chosen to represent the academy at the 68th reunion of the "Jimmy Doolittle Raiders' attack on Tokyo", held in Dayton, Ohio. In my next blog entry, I will fill-in more information on, not only the reunion, but also the raid itself.

Have a great week........
keep your shoes tied,
and.....................................

GO SPARTANS............PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd